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The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has confirmed that none of its trucks have been allowed passage through the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. Despite Israel's announcement of the reopening of the border crossing into Gaza on Wednesday, NRC's chief, Jan Egeland, stated in an interview that they have no trucks currently crossing over. Additionally, Egeland highlighted the organization's struggle with fuel shortages in Gaza, expressing the inability to afford renting vehicles for delivering humanitarian aid.

Israel’s continued closure of the Rafah border crossing is “choking off the entry of life-saving aid into Gaza”, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest rapid assessment report.Up until Israeli tanks took over the Palestinian border crossing on Tuesday, there was a daily average of 48 relief trucks and 166,000 litres of diesel entering Gaza, the UN report notes.“The continued block on the entry of critical humanitarian items via [the] Rafah Crossing and continued hostilities would have serious consequences on access to food and nutrition services,” the UN report states.The report also includes an earlier warning from the UN’s children agency, UNICEF, which notes that many of the more than 600,000 children “crammed” into Rafah are already “highly vulnerable and at the edge of survival”, and warns that an Israeli “ground incursion would expose them to catastrophic risks”.

Weather inshore until 6pm on Thursday will see scattered clouds with a chance of thundery rain at southern areas at first, relatively hot daytime with slight dust to blowing dust at places, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report, warning of expected thundery rain at southern areas at first/ strong wind and poor horizontal visibility expected at places.Offshore, it will be partly cloudy with a chance of scattered rain at places, becomes some clouds later, the report added, warning of strong wind and high sea.Wind inshore will be northwesterly - northerly 15 - 25 KT, gusting to 35 KT at times at places.Offshore, it will be northwesterly - northerly 18 - 28 KT, gusting to 35 KT.Visibility inshore will be 4 - 9 km / 2 km or less at places at times. Offshore will be 4 - 9 km.Sea state inshore will be 3 - 5 ft. Offshore, it will be 5 - 9 ft, rises to 12 ft.

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari participated in a public event organized by the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, titled 'Mediation in Wars- From Bosnia to Gaza.'During the event, Dr. Al Ansari emphasized the importance of mediation in achieving sustainable solutions to conflicts amidst global polarization. He also highlighted the significance of diversity in mediation, which enhances opportunities for achieving peace and stability at both regional and international levels.The Spokesperson also discussed the State of Qatar's mediation efforts in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States, aimed at reaching an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, releasing prisoners and detainees, and ensuring the delivery of more humanitarian aid to the Strip.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) will offer its entire catalog for sale to the public at this years Doha International Book Fair.Taking place from May 9-18, the publishing house will also offer readers opportunities to engage with their favorite authors during book signing sessions and scheduled meet-and-greets.Executive Director, HBKU Press, Bachar Chebaro, said: "The Doha International Book Fair stands as one of the largest and most significant events that HBKU Press participates in, and it is one that we eagerly anticipate year after year."The fair is an integral opportunity for us to connect with readers in real time and engage with the local literary community. We are honored to be sharing the fairground with some of the largest publishers in the world, and are particularly looking forward to introducing all attendees to new Qatari and Arab authors and works."The HBKU Press catalog has expanded impressively across all categories, upholding its reputation for catering to all interests and reading needs. Quality literature abounds across childrens, young adult, and adult reading levels, fostering dynamic learning experiences for readers of all ages.HBKU Press will similarly offer a well-balanced selection of original and translated works. A diversity of Arab and Qatari voices offer unique contributions and stories, while translated books enrich the HBKU Press catalog with popular favorites from around the world.Translated works at the childrens, young adult, and adult level ensure that local readers benefit from a literary cultural exchange which exposes them to critical contributions in literature from around the world. The translated works include Matthias Krug's "Swishs Winning Smile, Qatari author Kummam Al Maadeed's "Wielding Magic".New releases from the publisher include brightly illustrated childrens books, featuring valuable life lessons wrapped in entertaining stories and engaging lessons. Qatari author Muneera Al Romaihi is a prolific writer with an impressive collection of titles at HBKU Press, and her newest is an Arabic language book out just in time for the fair. "The Brave Princess and the Dragon" delivers a timely tale about a princess who ventures off into the forest, where a dangerous dragon is fabled to be living. She decides to face her fears for the good of her kingdom and learns that sometimes, fears are bigger in our heads than in reality! Adding to the princess collection is "The Princess of Goodness" by Amani Albanna, making this her debut publication. Beautifully illustrated with a profound message to match, this story wonderfully captivates young readers with an exciting journey of discovery. Readers will be entertained and enchanted by this book, which imparts invaluable lessons about compassion, kindness, charity, and the importance of helping those in need.In addition to page-turning fantasy, HBKU Press is venturing further into YA novel territory, where delightful illustrations accompany conventional text. "Shaheen and the Blue Stone Galaxy" by Qatari author Shamma Al-Kuwari is a special addition to the HBKU Press catalog, and gives sci-fi lovers a new reading companion this summer as Shaheen jets off into space with strange alien visitors!HBKU Press is renowned for producing childrens books which seamlessly blend exceptional educational value within captivating stories and adventures. "My Grandmothers Glasses" by Andalous Ibrahim demonstrates this sentiment perfectly through this new release which sees innovation from Islamic scholars through a whole new perspective! Young readers are introduced to the fascinating world of Muslim scholars contributions, including the life-changing invention of glasses and other groundbreaking discoveries.HBKU Press not only offers a dynamic range of original children's books, but extends its reach to young readers in both Arabic and English through high-quality translations. The beloved "Swish" series by award-winning author " now available in Arabic for the first time ever.The exciting young adult genre is well-loved around the world for good reason, and HBKU Press does not fail to deliver on award-winning adventures filled with fantasy and fun. "Wielding Magic" by Qatari author Kummam Al-Maadeed is the sequel to the critically acclaimed "Calling Magic," and promises more inspiration and wonder from the vast world of Tia. Notably, "Wielding Magic" was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2023 Moonbeam Awards, while also being recognized as a finalist in the American Fiction Awards 2023.Finally, HBKU Press brings advanced readers the best in academia and fiction, presenting a wide range of options for scholars and leisure readers alike. "The Centrality of Middle Class" by Qatari author and professor Dr. Khalid Al-Jufairi will be available at the fair for the first time in Arabic. Originally written and published in English, this is a translated academic text which explores the socioeconomic role of the middle-income group in larger society, and the subsequent importance of having a robust middle class."Making its Mark: Art Therapy in the Arabian Peninsula" is collected and edited by psychotherapist Sara Powell. Having grown up in the Arabian Gulf, Powell explores the practice of art therapy as a mode of healing in the region. Informative and educational with local case studies, this book is a fantastic addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in the mental health profession or expressive therapy.HBKU Press is no stranger to fiction. "Count dOrgels Ball'' by writer and poet Raymond Radiguet is a French classic fiction novel which takes place in 1920s Paris. Thrilling and suspenseful, this novel explores themes of humanity within the expectations of high society. "Mister Flow '' by internationally renowned author Gaston Leroux also joins the many new additions to the fiction genre at HBKU Press. Literary thrill seekers are invited to dive into the intricate world of this mystery novel, where masterful storytelling intertwines seamlessly with sophisticated prose. Brought to readers by the author of the wildly popular "Phantom of the Opera," this French novel presents Lerouxs signature writing style to Arabic language readers at the Doha International Book Fair.HBKU Press showcases multiple publications in 33rd Doha International Book FairHamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) will offer its entire catalog for sale to the public at this years Doha International Book Fair.Taking place from May 9-18, the publishing house will also offer readers opportunities to engage with their favorite authors during book signing sessions and scheduled meet-and-greets.Executive Director, HBKU Press, Bachar Chebaro, said: "The Doha International Book Fair stands as one of the largest and most significant events that HBKU Press participates in, and it is one that we eagerly anticipate year after year."The fair is an integral opportunity for us to connect with readers in real time and engage with the local literary community. We are honored to be sharing the fairground with some of the largest publishers in the world, and are particularly looking forward to introducing all attendees to new Qatari and Arab authors and works."The HBKU Press catalog has expanded impressively across all categories, upholding its reputation for catering to all interests and reading needs. Quality literature abounds across childrens, young adult, and adult reading levels, fostering dynamic learning experiences for readers of all ages.HBKU Press will similarly offer a well-balanced selection of original and translated works. A diversity of Arab and Qatari voices offer unique contributions and stories, while translated books enrich the HBKU Press catalog with popular favorites from around the world.Translated works at the childrens, young adult, and adult level ensure that local readers benefit from a literary cultural exchange which exposes them to critical contributions in literature from around the world. The translated works include Matthias Krug's "Swishs Winning Smile, Qatari author Kummam Al Maadeed's "Wielding Magic".New releases from the publisher include brightly illustrated childrens books, featuring valuable life lessons wrapped in entertaining stories and engaging lessons. Qatari author Muneera Al Romaihi is a prolific writer with an impressive collection of titles at HBKU Press, and her newest is an Arabic language book out just in time for the fair. "The Brave Princess and the Dragon" delivers a timely tale about a princess who ventures off into the forest, where a dangerous dragon is fabled to be living. She decides to face her fears for the good of her kingdom and learns that sometimes, fears are bigger in our heads than in reality! Adding to the princess collection is "The Princess of Goodness" by Amani Albanna, making this her debut publication. Beautifully illustrated with a profound message to match, this story wonderfully captivates young readers with an exciting journey of discovery. Readers will be entertained and enchanted by this book, which imparts invaluable lessons about compassion, kindness, charity, and the importance of helping those in need.In addition to page-turning fantasy, HBKU Press is venturing further into YA novel territory, where delightful illustrations accompany conventional text. "Shaheen and the Blue Stone Galaxy" by Qatari author Shamma Al-Kuwari is a special addition to the HBKU Press catalog, and gives sci-fi lovers a new reading companion this summer as Shaheen jets off into space with strange alien visitors!HBKU Press is renowned for producing childrens books which seamlessly blend exceptional educational value within captivating stories and adventures. "My Grandmothers Glasses" by Andalous Ibrahim demonstrates this sentiment perfectly through this new release which sees innovation from Islamic scholars through a whole new perspective! Young readers are introduced to the fascinating world of Muslim scholars contributions, including the life-changing invention of glasses and other groundbreaking discoveries.HBKU Press not only offers a dynamic range of original children's books, but extends its reach to young readers in both Arabic and English through high-quality translations. The beloved "Swish" series by award-winning author " now available in Arabic for the first time ever.The exciting young adult genre is well-loved around the world for good reason, and HBKU Press does not fail to deliver on award-winning adventures filled with fantasy and fun. "Wielding Magic" by Qatari author Kummam Al-Maadeed is the sequel to the critically acclaimed "Calling Magic," and promises more inspiration and wonder from the vast world of Tia. Notably, "Wielding Magic" was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2023 Moonbeam Awards, while also being recognized as a finalist in the American Fiction Awards 2023.Finally, HBKU Press brings advanced readers the best in academia and fiction, presenting a wide range of options for scholars and leisure readers alike. "The Centrality of Middle Class" by Qatari author and professor Dr. Khalid Al-Jufairi will be available at the fair for the first time in Arabic. Originally written and published in English, this is a translated academic text which explores the socioeconomic role of the middle-income group in larger society, and the subsequent importance of having a robust middle class."Making its Mark: Art Therapy in the Arabian Peninsula" is collected and edited by psychotherapist Sara Powell. Having grown up in the Arabian Gulf, Powell explores the practice of art therapy as a mode of healing in the region. Informative and educational with local case studies, this book is a fantastic addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in the mental health profession or expressive therapy.HBKU Press is no stranger to fiction. "Count dOrgels Ball'' by writer and poet Raymond Radiguet is a French classic fiction novel which takes place in 1920s Paris. Thrilling and suspenseful, this novel explores themes of humanity within the expectations of high society. "Mister Flow '' by internationally renowned author Gaston Leroux also joins the many new additions to the fiction genre at HBKU Press. Literary thrill seekers are invited to dive into the intricate world of this mystery novel, where masterful storytelling intertwines seamlessly with sophisticated prose. Brought to readers by the author of the wildly popular "Phantom of the Opera," this French novel presents Lerouxs signature writing style to Arabic language readers at the Doha International Book Fair.

To go back home in eastern India, cast his vote and spend time with his wife and three children would be ideal, said Shafiq Ansari, but he cannot afford to lose wages and so has to keep toiling under the sweltering summer sun near New Delhi.Ansari is far from alone. Many millions of migrant workers across India face a similar dilemma as voting takes place in the world’s biggest election, with nearly 1bn people eligible to vote until June 1. Results are due by June 4, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi predicted to win a rare third term.For those like Ansari, a road building labourer from Jharkhand state earning Rs600 ($7) a day in the satellite city of Noida, the costs of voting are high — from leave without pay, threats of wage theft and job loss to lofty travel expenses, including the expected gifts for family members.“If I could get free (train) tickets and paid leave, I would go. But since that is not happening, I will stay and hope for the best,” said Ansari, 37.“We are here out of compulsion. It is just for work ... because we could not find anything back home,” he said, gesturing to about 30 of his fellow migrant labourers, who mostly hail from the impoverished eastern states of Jharkhand and neighbouring Bihar.All the men echoed Ansari, saying they would not go back to cast their votes this month as it would mean losing at least Rs4,000 ($48) in two days’ lost wages and travel costs. In Noida, they can earn as much as Rs24,000 in a month.The Thomson Reuters Foundation spoke to another two dozen migrant workers in and around New Delhi, with only four saying they would go back to their home town to vote. Of those four, three said their towns were relatively close so it would only cost them a day’s wage and a few hours’ of travel time.While the number of internal migrants in India has not been updated in official figures for more than 10 years, experts say they could make up as much as 40% of the electorate.According to the latest available figures, albeit from 2011, India’s then population of 1.21bn people included 456mn internal migrants.Their number has likely increased by another 150mn, said S Irudaya Rajan, chairman of the International Institute of Migration and Development think tank.“Migrants are still invisible in our country’s policies and programmes,” Rajan said.He observed that neither the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nor its rivals had debated or discussed the Covid-19 migrants’ crisis in their campaigns or rallies.An estimated 100mn migrants were among the worst hit by a strict lockdown in early 2020, which led to an exodus from cities. Many workers walked home, their adversity unfolding live on television and making global headlines.“It can’t be a memory lapse. This happened only four years ago,” said Rajan.“This just indicates that nobody is bothered about them.”Rajan described most migrant workers as short-term, seasonal, distressed, illiterate and informal, making it difficult for them to organise and fight for their rights.He warned that without their say in elections, it could exacerbate their exploitation, and limit their bargaining power as they are left out of key decision making.“The problem is that migrants are not treated as a vote bank despite their great contributions to the economy...This needs to be fixed,” he said, urging the creation of a ministry for migrant affairs.Internal migration is bound to intensify in the world’s most populous nation as economic slowdown hits rural India, home to 60% of its 1.4bn people, according to migration and economic experts.Many, especially those under 35, flock to the cities to take whatever jobs they can — becoming labourers, drivers or helpers in shops and homes — to tap into the country’s spectacular economic growth and the prosperity of its urban areas.Benoy Peter, the executive director of the Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development in the coastal state of Kerala, warned that people engaged in farm-based jobs could face rising pressure from climate change, which hurts harvests and fuels debt, forcing them to migrate.He said that if there were enough well-paying jobs at home, most would not opt “to be treated as second-class citizens in the urban centres of India”.“People can live with dignity, exercise their agency if they have decent-paying jobs at their native places. But that is going to be a remote dream,” he said.In the last general election in 2019, more than 300mn people did not vote — migrant workers likely made up a huge proportion of those, according to government data.In the first and largest phase of this year’s general election, voter turnout dipped by nearly four percentage points compared to 2019, according to data.M Venkaiah Naidu from the BJP cautioned in an op-ed days after that voter apathy could “automatically allow others to dictate the course of their lives”.All the migrant workers said it was neither feasible to drop everything and go home to vote, nor possible to change their voting constituency to their place of work since most of them hop from place to place doing temporary jobs.India’s election panel has been working on alternative voting mechanisms, including proxy voting, early voting at special centres and online voting.It has also considered remote polling stations that would mean migrant workers would not have to travel back to their home district to vote.But these methods have not been implemented due to administrative, legal and technological challenges, including ensuring secrecy of voting.The Election Commission of India did not respond to repeated requests for comment on voting solutions for migrant workers.Most, barring two migrant workers, said they would not vote online or via smartphone apps even if given the choice, citing chances of manipulation.“I cannot trust (technology). My thumb needs to push that button,” said Binita Ahirwar, a labourer at a Delhi-based cardboard box factory, referring to buttons on electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in India.Ahirwar, 32, said she was not going to go to her home state of Madhya Pradesh to vote over job loss fears.But not everyone is choosing to sit it out.For Kaju Nath, a building labourer in Noida, voting is a responsibility, and to fulfil it he said he had informed his boss in advance about taking a week off to travel some 684 miles to Bihar.“I will lose about Rs10,000...but at least I will vote for a better future. There are no industries, no factories, no jobs in my state, and I need to vote to change that,” he said as he clapped cement dust off his hands.“I have to do this for my children, so that by the time they grow up they can have jobs there. They should not have to do what I am doing.” — Thomson Reuters Foundation

France’s traditional left is waging a dynamic campaign for European elections next month under commentator turned politician Raphael Glucksmann, threatening to relegate the alliance of President Emmanuel Macron into a humiliating third place but also causing friction with the radical left.Polls have shown that the joint list of Place Publique, a progressive left movement co-founded by Glucksmann, and the Socialist Party (PS) is seriously challenging the centrist list of Macron’s coalition for second place in the June poll behind the far right who remain way ahead.The trend represents a reversal of fortune for the traditional left in France, which hit a low in 2022 presidential elections when the candidate of the PS, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, won less than two percent of the vote in the first round.That result saw the hard left of the France Unbowed (LFI) party, under firebrand radical Jean-Luc Melenchon, cemented as France’s main left-wing force ahead of the PS, the political home of former presidents Francois Hollande and the late Francois Mitterrand.Latest polls have given Glucksmann’s list around 14% , well behind the far right on over 30% but getting close to the list of Macron’s party led by the little-known Valerie Hayer on just 16 to 17%.“There is a clear dynamic” being established in favour of Glucksmann, said Gilles Finchelstein, secretary general of the Jean-Jaures Foundation think tank, adding “socialist sympathisers have become socialist voters again”.Glucksmann, 44, known in France as an essayist and commentator before moving into politics and now an MEP, is credited with running a dynamic campaign that has sought to energise supporters with a positive message that is unabashedly pro-European and champions Ukraine.The ratings for the list are soaring over what Glucksmann achieved in a similar position in 2019 when he could only muster just over 6% of the vote.He describes Europe as the “fight of my life”, denounces “foreign interference in Europe” and says he is pained by the success of the far right in leading the polls which leaves a “lump in my stomach every morning”.Seeking to create distance from Macron’s centrist politics, he denounces free trade treaties, and calls for an overhaul of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and a tax on “superprofits”.He launched the campaign in the south of France in March, entering to the track “Lose Yourself” by the rapper Eminem and asking the audience “are we witnessing the disintegration of European democracies or, on the contrary, their awakening?”He attacked Macron and his government as “leaders without a backbone” and “sleepwalkers”, saying: “We are not made of the same brittle matter as the president and his cronies, we do not change our speech depending on the audience”.“We do not flatter the extreme right — we fight it,” he added.But his stance and success, even dubbed by some on social media as “Glucksmania” has angered the hard left and Melenchon.Glucksmann withdrew from a May 1 march in Saint-Etienne after slogans were shouted against him and paint thrown after he arrived. The LFI insisted it was not to blame.The son of philosopher Andre Glucksmann, Raphael Glucksmann has already had a chequered political career.He served as advisor from 2008-2012 to the strongly pro-Western former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, a staunch foe of Russia after the 2008 war between the two nations.Glucksmann was in a relationship with Saakashvili’s deputy interior minister Eka Zgouladze with whom he has a son.Like Saakashvili himself and several of his supporters, Zgouladze left for Ukraine and took Ukrainian nationality after a change of government in Georgia, also becoming Ukrainian deputy interior minister for a time. Glucksmann’s partner is now the prominent French TV and radio journalist Lea Salame, with whom he also has a son.But it remains unclear if the strong poll showings will be carried into voting day, let alone translate into success at a national level with the next presidential elections in 2027.“Glucksmann is profiting from the weakness of his opponents,” said pollster Brice Teinturier of Ipsos, in an analysis of the latest poll in the *Le Monde daily, adding he was “quite simply waging a good campaign” as the “right person in the right place”.But he added while it was “on paper” possible that Glucksmann could overtake Hayer, there was also a risk for him that Macron voters could mobilise at the end of the campaign and left-wing voters move to the Greens and LFI.

Mutaz Barshim’s best came 10 years back, but even today he is as excited as ever.On Wednesday, on the eve of the inaugural edition of his brainchild event ‘What Gravity Challenge’, the Qatari high jump icon said: “I woke up this morning and told my wife I’m really excited like it’s the Olympics. That’s how excited I am.”The Olympic champion’s excitement is not just from an athlete’s perspective, but also from being on the other side, the organising part of competition. ‘What Gravity Challenge’ is an initiative of Barshim – which according to the 32-year-old has been in the making for a long time.The competition, which will be held on Thursday at the Katara Amphitheatre from 5:40pm and is organised by Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF), will involve the world’s 12 best high jumpers. The event represents Barshim’s personal expression of gratitude to Qatar, which has supported him throughout his career.“I want to show my gratitude especially to the Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. He was the person who gave me the first start when I met him. He wanted me to create something for a lasting legacy. So I’m really thankful to them. And again I’m really happy. Just looking forward to having a wonderful event,” the three-time world champion said.The winner of the innovative event will take home a custom-made trophy crafted by esteemed artist Ahmed al-Bahrani and a prize of US$15,000.Barshim’s best leap of 2.43m came in Brussels in 2014 and in between, the Qatari high jumper has won almost everything possible, barring surpassing the World record (2.45m) of Cuban legend Javier Sotomayor, set 35 years ago in Salamanca, Spain in 1993.Talking about the changes in the last decade, Barshim said: “To be honest, if you look at all these years in between things have changed. In 2013 and 2014, we had top jumpers each clearing 2.40m in literally each meet. You’re not the same person physically anymore. You have to be aware of your injuries, you need to be smart about it. But, for me the goal is always the same, whenever I’m participating I always want to be ready to perform.”Barshim, who is going to take part in the fourth Olympics in July, said the Paris Games is his top priority this year. “I haven’t really started my Olympic preparation yet. I think after this event I will start my preparations. I want to see where I am. Because for me this year the Olympics is the most important,” he said.In-form Hamish Kerr, who defeated Barshim last month to win the Suzhou Diamond League with a clearance of 2.31m is also taking part in the star-studded high jump field. “It is an amazing event to be a part of and outside of a major championship you are not likely to see a more stacked field,” Kerr said on Wednesday.“I come from New Zealand, which is a long way away, but I was in Asia last week. So we decided to come here a bit early and do some sort of nice training. So yeah, it’s been amazing. This is my third time in Doha. I just feel like I’m welcomed by everyone here.”“It is credit to Barshim and his legacy that he has managed to put together such a quality event, which heralds a new era for our sport. Taking what is quite a traditional concept and putting it in a unique setting is a fantastic way to showcase high jump and our unique skill set,” the World Indoor champion added.Ukraine’s Bohdan Bondarenko, who jumped 2.42m in New York in 2014, is also part of the high-quality field along with 11 other of the world’s finest high jumpers which includes a trio of 2.40m plus jumpers and the reigning world and Olympic champions.USA’s World’s silver medalist Juvaughn Harrison Harrison said: “It feels great to be the next generation following the footsteps of Barshim and others, but challenging them at the same time. I’ll try to do the same thing tomorrow. But you know, like I said. I’ve watched those. I admire him and to be able to compete against him is a great pleasure.”

Real Madrid produced a spectacular comeback against Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League final with Joselu striking twice late on, earning them a 2-1 win on Wednesday to progress 4-3 on aggregate.Alphonso Davies smashed the visiting German giants ahead in the second half but record 14-time winners Madrid produced a sensational comeback with Joselu netting in the 88th and 91st minutes.Spanish champions Real Madrid face another German side, Borussia Dortmund, in the Wembley final on June 1, after they stunned the team they call their “black beast”.Squad player Joselu, on as a late substitute, wrote his name in Madrid’s history books with his last-gasp brace.“There have been a lot of times we have looked dead and buried, but we have that mentality of never say die,” said Real midfielder Jude Bellingham. “Joselu deserves it all, he has been an amazing squad member this season.”Madrid had enjoyed the better of the match but it seemed Davies’ superb strike had set up a repeat of the 2013 all-German final in London. Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel made three changes from the first leg, benching veteran Thomas Mueller and Leon Goretzka. Dani Carvajal started for Madrid after missing the first leg suspended and was heavily involved as the hosts dominated the opening stages.Rodrygo Goes was inches away from converting Carvajal’s low cross and the Spain defender then cleverly set up Vinicius Junior with a pass nutmegging a defender, and Manuel Neuer tipped the Brazilian’s shot against the post.The rebound fell to Rodrygo but his effort was weak and with a desperate arm Neuer was able to claw it out to complete a fine double save. Bayern’s Serge Gnabry limped off injured with Davies replacing him before Harry Kane’s first flash of danger.Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was alert to push the England captain’s vicious long-range volley around the post. Neuer palmed away a Vinicius free-kick as the teams ended a high-intensity, relentlessly frantic first half level. The second period was just as fraught, with Davies’ cross deflecting onto the roof of Lunin’s goal. Vinicius was unplayable down Madrid’s left and Rodrygo prodded his low cross agonisingly wide of the far post.The 38-year-old Neuer made superb saves to deny both Brazilian forwards again before the hour mark as Madrid controlled the game and ratcheted up the pressure. However just as in Munich, when Los Blancos were at their strongest, Bayern pounced.Kane fed Davies and the Canada international cut inside from the left and smashed a shot beyond Lunin into the far top corner after 68 minutes.Madrid thought they had levelled moments later through Nacho but after a VAR review the strike was ruled out as the defender had grabbed Joshua Kimmich’s face before shooting.Tuchel took off Kane in the final stages to try and hold on to victory but it slipped through his fingers as Madrid produced more indelible European memories.Neuer fumbled what appeared a simple Vinicius strike and Joselu gratefully bundled home from close range. With Bayern reeling Madrid struck again, decisively. It was Joselu once more, the striker on loan from second division side Espanyol, turning home after Antonio Rudiger cut the ball back to him.

Ahmed Alaaeldin struck in the extra time as Al Gharafa edged past Al Ahli 4-3 in a thrilling Amir Cup last 16 match at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Wednesday. In the quarters, Gharafa will face Umm Salal, who had defeated Al Bidaa 3-1 on Tuesday.Ahli were up 2-0 just after 21 minutes as Naim Sliti and Yazan al-Nuaimat struck in six minutes apart. But Gharafa hit back through Fabrizio Diaz’s long-range in the 27th minute. Ahli, however, took a two-goal advantage at half time after al-Nuaimat found the net in the 39th minute.But a resilient Gharafa bounced back in stunning fashion after the break. Farid Boulaya’s 68th-minute goal rejuvenated Pedro Martins’ side with Ferjani Sassi taking the game to extra time with an equaliser in the 83rd time.In stoppage time of first half of extra time, Qatar international Alaaeldin headed from a close range to signal wild scenes in the Gharafa camp. But they had survive anxious moments after Ahli’s Ramon Gines found the net in the 118th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.Ahmed al-Ganehi, the winger for Gharafa, expressed immense joy at their victory, emphasizing the team’s unwavering spirit despite initially trailing by two goals. He stated: “Al Ahli started the match strongly after taking the lead, taking advantage of some mistakes. However, we created numerous scoring opportunities. Unfortunately, our lack of concentration and finishing ability cost us potential goals.”Al-Ganehi hoped that this victory would serve as a catalyst for Gharafa’s performance in the upcoming stages of the Amir Cup. He stressed the importance of focusing on competing fiercely to vie for the Amir Cup title.Sadd face Markhiya todayToday, Al Sadd will play Al Markhiya at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium at 5.15pm, Al Wakrah will meet Muaither at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at 8pm, and Al Rayyan will take on Al Khor at Janoub Stadium, also at 8pm.Al Rayyan coach Leonardo Jardim, speaking on eve of their match with Al Khor, said: “We finished runners-up in the League behind Al Sadd after a tight title race and lost the Qatar Cup final against Al Wakrah. We want to end this runner-up barrier in the Amir Cup.All the players are determined to win the Amir Cup and make up for our performance in the final last week.Al Khor coach Abdullah Mubarak said: “We have great ambitions in this special tournament after winning the Second Division. We are looking forward to a win against Al Rayyan and qualify for the quarter-final. All the players are confident for the match against experienced Al Rayyan team.Al Sadd coach Wesam Rizk, said the match against Al Markhiya match will be a strong test. “Our ultimate goal is to win the Amir Cup, and we want to reconcile with fans after defeat in Qatar Cup semi-final. We are fully prepared and looking to give winning performance but I anticipate a resolute response from them against Al Markhiya.”Al Markhiya coach Madjid Bougherra said: “We have nothing to lose and we will play Al Sadd with an aim to make amends after slipping to the Second Division. Al Markhiya players always relish playing with big sides and they are eager to give a strong show.”Al Wakrah’s assistant coach Ousmane Coulibaly said his team was high on morale after the Qatar Cup triumph. “We are playing in Amir Cup a tournament cherished by everyone, with high morale after winning the Qatar Cup.”Muaither assistant coach George Albin opined: “This match is important to us, and I have confidence in all the players to deliver their best.”

Xabi Alonso’s rampaging Bayer Leverkusen will have an additional incentive in today’s home second-leg Europa League semi-final against Roma: breaking a 59-year-old European football record.Avoiding defeat against Roma today will not only mean a trip to Dublin for the Europa League final, it will also extend their unbeaten run to 49 games – the best mark in European football history.A Eusebio-inspired Benfica went on a 48-game unbeaten streak between 1963 and 1965. The record has stood since, but Leverkusen have a golden chance of blowing it out of the water.Alonso’s side has already overtaken Juventus’ 43-match unbeaten run from 2011 to 2012, which was the best of a team in the top five European leagues.Leverkusen won 2-0 in Rome last week and could progress to the final even with a one-goal loss, but breaking the record would be yet another outstanding achievement in an already brilliant season.Speaking after Leverkusen equalled Benfica’s record with a 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, Leverkusen goalkeeper and captain Lukas Hradecky said pursuit of an unbeaten season gave his side “extra motivation”.“It’s close,” said Hradecky after the game, explaining “I can tell my granddaughter and grandson about this.”The Finn was referring to the league season, where Leverkusen have two more games to become the first team to go a Bundesliga campaign without defeat, but Leverkusen are just five matches away from an unbeaten treble.Even with Alonso forced to watch from the stands due to a yellow card suspension, Leverkusen were not troubled against Frankfurt.Already crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time back in April, Leverkusen are through to the German Cup final, where they face second-division Kaiserslautern.Avoiding defeat today will set up a meeting with either Atalanta or Marseille in the Europa League final in Dublin.Before the start of the season, Leverkusen had just two major trophies in their history.With the Bundesliga already under their belt, Alonso’s side could more than double their historical trophy haul in the Spaniard’s first full season in charge of a top side.Former Leverkusen coach and sporting director Rudi Voeller said the call to hire Alonso was “brave and adventurous”, as well as a “perfect decision”. Speaking with the Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger, Voeller praised Leverkusen’s “outstanding squad” depth.“It’s rare in the football business that you not only strengthen in the top positions, but also in the areas behind them.“That’s the secret why Bayer is still unbeaten.“The treble is still possible. But no matter what happens, it’s still an outstanding season.”Leverkusen have managed to keep their stunning run going despite Alonso deciding to rest players.Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz and wing-back Alex Grimaldo were left out of the squad entirely on Sunday.“They had small complaints in the last few days. We didn’t want to take any risks,” Alonso said.“They’ll train again from Tuesday.” Leverkusen scored five despite missing Wirtz, their attacking midfield lynchpin, and assists machine Grimaldo.Wirtz has four goals and four assists in nine Europa League games this season, including a goal in the first leg in Rome.“He’s still 21 and has a great future ahead of him,” Alonso said after the Roma game.Wirtz celebrated his 21st birthday at midnight just an hour after the match was over, with the team celebrating with the midfielder in the dressing room.With close to a full-strength squad and playing at homefor the second-last time thisseason, breaking Benfica’s record on Thursday could be the next step in Wirtz and Leverkusen’s great future.